Thinking about making some New Year’s Resolutions to be healthier? Remember, setting Smart Goals is a great way to make lasting change. Read on for some tips to make those New Year’s Resolutions last the whole year long.
So many of us set goals related to being healthier – but using the Smart Goals method means we are more likely to follow through and achieve those goals. What are SMART goals? SMART is an acronym:
S – Specific
Clearly define what needs to be achieved, who is involved, where it will happen, and why it’s important. Applying Smart Goals can make this clearer.
o Vague: “Get more fit.”
o Specific: “Join a gym and work out 3 times a week to improve cardiovascular health”.
M – Measurable
Include criteria to track progress and determine success (e.g., numbers, percentages). It’s easier to measure success when your objectives are Smart Goals.
o Not Measurable: “Read more books.”
o Measurable: “Read one non-fiction book per month”.
A – Achievable
Ensure the goal is realistic and within reach, considering available resources and constraints. Sometimes, the Smart format helps you set more achievable goals.
o Unachievable: “Become a millionaire by next month.”
o Achievable: “Save $100 a month towards a down payment on a car”.
R – Relevant
Confirm the goal aligns with broader objectives, values, and long-term aspirations. Sticking to Smart Goals will ensure your efforts are relevant to larger ambitions.
o Irrelevant: “Signing up for a pottery class when your goal is to save money.”
o Relevant: “Signing up for a pottery class when your goal is to learn a new skill.”
T – Time
Set a specific deadline or timeframe for completion to create urgency and focus. By making your timeline part of your Smart Goals, you create accountability.
o Not Time-bound: “Learn to code someday.”
o Time-bound: “Complete an online Python course by the end of this quarter”
MICRO HABITS
In addition to adopting Smart Goals, you can also start the new year with healthy micro habits. Micro habits are tiny, easy-to-do actions that form the building blocks for larger goals.
For example, if your larger goal is “get my whole house organized”, a micro habit you can start right away is committing to setting a timer for two minutes and tidying one small area, like a single drawer or a small section of a countertop. Just like Smart Goals, breaking things down makes you more likely to succeed.
Some ideas for micro habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your health are:
- Drink one glass of water in the morning to help you stay hydrated
- Park farther away from the store entrance to get a few extra steps in the parking lot
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible
- Pause and take a few deep breaths if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or upset
- Go to the bathroom without your phone in hand – take a small screen break
- Do one pushup, squat, or jumping jack to get your body moving
- Add one additional vegetable or fruit to a meal
- Stretch for one minute before getting into bed at the end of the day
- Do a balance exercise, like standing on one foot, while brushing your teeth or talking on the phone
- Express appreciation to your family member, friend, or coworker for something they did well
To wrap up, using Smart Goals together with micro habits is the perfect combination to make sure your New Year’s Resolutions last – from January all the way through next year. Health First Urgent Care wishes everyone a happy, healthy start to the New Year!
